Essex bowler Reece Topley will miss the England Lions tour of Sri Lanka after suffering a back injury.

The 19-year-old left-armer incurred the problem whilst on the England Performance Programme in Australia last December.

Topley will now focus his efforts on being fit for his county side for the start of the new season.

"I'm obviously disappointed to be injured but with the injury coming during the winter months it gives me enough time to prepare myself for the start of the season," Topley told Essex's official website.

Essex Cricket's Lead Physiotherapist Chris Clarke-Irons was also upbeat about Topley's chances of being available for the start of the domestic campaign.

"Reece is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a lower back injury," he said.